SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Non-Commissioned Police Official 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105027  Occupational Certificate: Non-Commissioned Police Official 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  250  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-12-07  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
50122  National Certificate: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  130  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Non-Commissioned Police Official. A Non-Commissioned Police Official is capable of using a series of legal and policing skills to protect and serve members of communities in accordance with the Constitution of South Africa. They provide an effective service that will improve community satisfaction and position them to fulfil their mission of creating a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply the principles of operation and service delivery within a client service centre in a policing environment.
  • Evaluate policing principles and their application in relation to crime prevention and detection.
  • Evaluate situations and select the tactical techniques and skills needed to execute policing duties and maintain safety of self and others.
  • Conduct a preliminary criminal investigation by gathering information and evidence, preparing documentation and giving evidence in a court of law.

    Rationale:
    The South African Constitution determines that it is the responsibility of the South African Police Service to prevent, combat and investigate crime; protect persons and property; and uphold and enforce the law. This represents a key role in the South African law enforcement system. To achieve this, the South African Police Service (SAPS) needs a cadre of Police Officials who have embraced its Code of Conduct and culture of discipline, ethics and service provision and who are combat ready, aware and vigilant during day-to-day duties and set a standard of professionalism.

    Police officials will provide protection to the public by executing a variety of duties, including patrolling communities, arresting individuals suspected of committing crimes and testifying in court. Police Officials play a central role in the criminal justice system in providing an efficient service to society. They monitor criminal activity, take part in community patrols, respond to emergency calls, make arrests, investigate crimes and so forth.

    Police officials have the responsibility to establish a trust relationship characterised by confidence and integrity in the communities within which they operate. The aim of the Occupational Certificate: Non-Commissioned Police Official is to inculcate organisational and personal ethics, values and professional conduct to ensure the execution of crime prevention and detection duties through efficient service delivery in the communities.

    SAPS is one of the largest employers in South Africa and will be the only employer of learners who successfully complete this qualification. Competent learners will be deployed across South Africa at police stations in rural and urban areas. Competent learners will be employed as constables for a specified probation period and authorised to maintain the peace, safety and order of the community.

    Learners who wish to further their education will have a number of options. They will be able to pursue learning programmes (lateral progression) by specialising in aspects such as detectives, crime prevention or bomb disposal, or follow a route of vertical progression through training as Commissioned Police Officer.

    Learners will be trained in methods of law enforcement, and crime prevention and detection to maintain the peace, safety and order of the community. They will be trained to apply proportional tactical combat, and defensive and offensive restraining techniques, which are appropriate during arrest, self-defence or a law enforcement situation and will make use of proportionality force decisions that meet legal and public requirements, ensuring safety of self, team and public. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • NQF Level 4 with Communication and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules totalling 250 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 541202-000-00-KM-01, Professional Conduct, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-02, Discipline, Cohesion and Wellness, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-03, Legal Framework of Policing Environment, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-04, Client Service Centre (CSC) Operational Principles, Level 5, 14 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-05, Preliminary Crime Investigation, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-06, Crime Detection and Prevention, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-07, Crowd Control and Management Techniques, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-08, Legal Requirements for the Safe Use and Handling of a Range of Firearms and Ammunition in a Law Enforcement Environment, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-09, Proportionality of Force and Defensive Restraining Techniques, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-KM-10, Tactical Techniques and Procedures, Level 6, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 71.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 541202-000-00-PM-01, Apply Principles of Discipline and Code of Conduct to Enhance Team Cohesion and Wellness, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-02, Independently Execute Duties Related to a Client Service Centre (CSC) in a Law Enforcement Environment, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-03, Conduct Preliminary Crime Investigation, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-04, Prevent, Combat and Detect Crime in an Endeavour to Reduce Crime, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-05, Execute Crowd Control Procedures to Manage and Disperse Crowds, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-06, Legal Use and Safe Handling of Firearms and Ammunition in a Law Enforcement Environment, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-07, Use Appropriate Force to Uphold the Law, Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-PM-08, Approach and Move Tactically to Survive any Given Situation in a Policing Environment, Level 6, 9 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 71.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 541202-000-00-WM-01, Service Delivery in a Client Service Centre, Level 5, 40 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-WM-02, Preliminary Crime Investigation Procedures, Level 6, 25 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-WM-03, Crime Prevention and Detection Procedures and Duties, Level 6, 25 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-WM-04, Crowd Control Procedures for Managing and Dispersing Crowds, Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 541202-000-00-WM-05, Proportionality of Force during Arresting and Searching a Suspect, Level 6, 9 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 108. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Balance constitutional and legal rights of individuals with the competence to infringe legally upon those rights in the service of maintaining a safe and secure society.
    2. Apply the principles of operation, service delivery, ethics and professional conduct within a client service centre in a policing environment to enhance service delivery to the community.
    3. Evaluate policing principles and the application thereof during the execution of crime prevention and crime detection duties.
    4. Conduct a preliminary criminal investigation as first responder to a crime scene by gathering information and securing evidence.
    5. Evaluate situations and select tactical techniques and skills such as use of force, restraining techniques and safe use of firearms required to execute policing duties and maintain safety of self, the team and others. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate the principles of the Constitution in terms of their impact on policing functions.
  • Evaluate the constitutional rights of individuals in terms of the principles ensconced in the Constitution and legislation in order to determine when these rights may be infringed.
  • Evaluate the principles of legislation that impact policing functions in terms of policing duties.
  • Evaluate the principles of the criminal justice system in terms of their impact on the daily functions of a law enforcement official and by giving evidence in a court of law.
  • Explain the regulatory framework guiding the concept of crime prevention/crime investigation within a South African context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain and implement Batho Pele and ethical principles in the daily functioning of a Client Service Centre (CSC) within the law enforcement context.
  • Evaluate the concept of discipline in terms of the execution of lawful orders and daily tasks.
  • Execute the duties related to the internal processes of the CSC in relation to customer service, custody management, property handling, information management and financial management while adhering to the organisational prescripts.
  • Justify communication principles in terms of the hierarchy of reporting channels within the organisation as well as with regard to customer service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Define and evaluate crime prevention and detection principles and concepts in order to determine its impact on the execution of daily law enforcement functions.
  • Evaluate community/sector policing principles in terms of their applicability to the daily functions of a law enforcement official.
  • Conduct crime prevention operations in order to prevent, detect and reduce crime.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Attend and secure the scene of the incident or crime according to organisational specific prescripts in order to protect potential evidence.
  • Identify role players/experts needed at the crime scene in order to control and manage the crime scene.
  • Utilise individualising processes in order to establish a link between the perpetrator and specific offence.
  • Collect, analyse, organise, record and critically evaluate information in order to ascertain whether a crime has been committed and which legislation may have an impact on the actions to be taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Display critical and analytical thinking during the identification and solving of incidents by selecting the appropriate application of tactical techniques in a given law enforcement situation ensuring safety of self, the team and others.
  • Conduct policing duties and functions by tactically and physically evaluating and proactively and/or reactively attending to complaints of crime involving the use of firearms in a safe, secure and professional manner.
  • Conduct policing duties and functions by tactically and physically evaluating and proactively and/or reactively attending to complaints of crime involving persons, premises and vehicles in a safe, secure and professional manner according to the nature of the incident.
  • Conduct policing duties and functions by tactically and physically evaluating and proactively and/or reactively attending to complaints pertaining to hostage and suicide situations in a safe, secure and professional manner.
  • Conduct policing duties and functions by tactically and physically evaluating and proactively and/or reactively attending to complaints related to crowds in a safe, secure and professional manner.


    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum for guiding principles on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner, is required to issue this qualification. The integrated external assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external integrated assessment will consist of a combination of theoretical examination and practical demonstration during which competence and applied knowledge will be assessed by means of an observation checklist. Completion of documentation related to the demonstration will be assessed as an end product.

    An assessor registered by the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) will conduct the Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) at accredited assessment centres. Learners must be competent in the use of firearms and be physically fit before applying for the EIA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared, internationally, with the training programme for officers of the Indian Police Service and, regionally, with the Diploma in Policing from the Republic of Namibia.
  • India: Integrated Processing Solutions (IPS) Training Programme.
    This is not a registered qualification. However, in terms of best practices, this programme was used for comparison.

    This programme is divided into three phases and the duration is two years. Phase 1 is conducted over a period of three months during which learners are familiarised with various social, political, economic and cultural facets, as well as topics such as esprit de corps, discipline, and etiquette required during interaction with society at large. Phase 2 is conducted over a period of 11 months and includes indoor and outdoor aspects related to duties regarding law enforcement, crime investigation, prosecution and maintenance of law and order and the like. After a passing out parade, learners are appointed as probationers at different units for the remainder of the training period.

    The programme includes aspects related to three areas, namely sensitisation at personal and social level, orientation in terms of the ethical and legal concepts and competency with a focus on transforming learners into leaders. More specifically, indoor training includes aspects such as legislation, ethics, role and responsibility of the police in India, criminal procedure, crime prevention and investigation, forensics, peace, order and internal security, and leadership and communication. The outdoor aspect entails physical fitness, drills, ceremonial drills, combat, field craft and tactics, map reading, first aid and equitation (horsemanship).

    Namibia: Diploma in Policing.
    This qualification is aimed at a range of policing and security agencies including the Namibian Police Force, municipal police, and private security agencies. The duration of the qualification is two years.

    Aspects included in the qualification are:
  • Policing Operations and Administration.
  • Investigation of Crime.
  • Crime Prevention Principles.
  • Police - Public Relations.
  • Human Rights for Policing.
  • Law of Evidence and Criminal Procedure.
  • Community Policing.
  • Social Dimensions of Justice.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Applied Communication in Policing and Professional Writing.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the training programmes offered by India and Namibia. Areas such as discipline, professional conduct, legislation, crime detection, prevention and investigation are similar and managed within the broader context of code of conduct or esprit de corps and human rights. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Traffic Officer, Level 6.
  • Occupational Certificate: Parole Board Member (Offender Placement and Release Practitioner), Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • Bachelor: Policing Practices, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website as well as in compliance with South African Police Service (SAPS) legal requirements.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Non-Commissioned Police Official: 541202-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Part-Qualifications:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.